The Spurs Didn’t Win the NBA Cup-But They Might’ve Won the League’s Attention
The New York Knicks walked away with their first piece of hardware in over half a century Tuesday night, claiming the NBA Cup title and putting a long-awaited spotlight back on Madison Square Garden. But while the Knicks were the ones celebrating, it’s the San Antonio Spurs-yes, those Spurs-who may have sent the loudest message to the rest of the league.
Let’s be clear: the Spurs didn’t win the Cup. But their run to the final told us something important-they’re not just rebuilding anymore. They’re arriving.
Wemby’s Limited Minutes, Unlimited Impact
Victor Wembanyama was on a minutes restriction in just his second game back from injury, but even in a limited role, he was a difference-maker. His presence alone helped San Antonio knock off the Oklahoma City Thunder in the semifinals, handing OKC just their second loss of the season-and this after the Thunder tied the best 25-game start in league history. That’s not just a good win, that’s a statement.
And it begs the question: what happens if Wemby isn’t on a minutes cap in the final? The Knicks played well and earned the win, no doubt, but there’s a real argument that the game could’ve tilted differently if San Antonio’s 7-foot-4 unicorn had been fully unleashed.
A Loss That Feels Like a Launchpad
The Spurs fell short in the championship game, but don’t mistake that for a setback. If anything, it’s a springboard.
History’s already shown us that losing the NBA Cup doesn’t mean you’re done making noise. Just last year, the Pacers lost to the Lakers in the Cup final, then made it to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The year before that? The Thunder lost in the Cup title game, then went on to win the whole thing in June.
San Antonio’s 18-7 start is no fluke. They’ve got a young core that’s learning how to win together, and this tournament gave them the kind of high-pressure reps they’ve lacked for years. It’s been seven seasons since the Spurs made the playoffs, but if this Cup run is any indication, that drought is on borrowed time.
Loaded With Talent-and Room to Grow
Wembanyama is obviously the headliner, and for good reason. But this isn’t a one-man show.
De’Aaron Fox brings All-Star experience at the point, and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle looks like he’s on a fast track to join him in that club. Devin Vassell continues to prove he’s more than just a shooter-he’s a legit scoring threat who can get buckets in bunches.
Then there’s Dylan Harper. The No. 2 overall pick led the team in scoring in the Cup final and looked every bit the part of a future franchise cornerstone.
Add in steady veterans like Harrison Barnes, and you’ve got a team with a healthy mix of youth and experience. And with the assets they’ve got stocked up, the Spurs are in a position to make a move if the right trade opportunity comes along.
This team isn’t just building for the future-they’re already knocking on the door.
Poised for a Power Shift in the West?
The Western Conference has been a gauntlet for years, but the Spurs look like they’re ready to re-enter that conversation. They didn’t shrink under the bright lights of the NBA Cup.
They competed. They adapted.
And they looked like a team that’s not just trying to make the playoffs-they’re trying to make noise in the playoffs.
They’ve got the talent. They’ve got the coach.
Now they’ve got the experience. And if they keep trending upward, we could be looking at a legitimate challenger to the Thunder’s budding dominance out West.
Knicks Win the Cup, But No Banner Coming
Back in New York, the Knicks finally got a trophy to celebrate-and they should. Winning anything in the NBA is tough, and this tournament wasn’t just a gimmick.
Every team had a shot. The Knicks took theirs and cashed it in.
But don’t expect to see a banner hanging in Madison Square Garden. According to reports, the team has decided not to raise one for the NBA Cup, opting instead for a fan celebration this Friday before moving on with the season. It’s a different approach than what we saw from the Lakers and Bucks, who each honored their Cup wins with banners in their arenas.
There’s a certain logic to it-after all, the Knicks have bigger goals in mind. But it’s also okay to celebrate a win. They earned it.
Around the League
- Victor Wembanyama was visibly emotional after the Cup final, but his tears weren’t about the loss. There was a deeper, more personal reason behind the moment.
- Josh Hart had a playful moment with Jalen Brunson postgame, caught on camera poking fun at his teammate. Let’s just say... maybe a little too playful.
- Joe Lacob, owner of the Golden State Warriors, responded to a fan’s email venting frustrations-and in doing so, might’ve unintentionally thrown head coach Steve Kerr under the bus.
- John Wall sat down for a Q&A to talk about his transition into media, the evolution of the point guard position, and what’s next for him in this new phase of his basketball life.
The Knicks got their trophy. The Spurs got their wake-up call to the league. And if both teams keep trending the way they are, we may not have seen the last of either of them on a big stage this season.